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The Interaction of Weak and Strong Fields on the Sun

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

Harold Zirin*
Affiliation:
Big Bear Solar Observatory California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

Abstract

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The problems associated with unresolved flux elements are discussed. It is pointed out that the hypothesis that these fields are strong does explain various problems of solar magnetic fields, but, as all invisible phenomena, is difficult to test. It is pointed out that Zeeman splitting measurements, which give the true field, have revealed field strengths down to the lower limit of conventional spectroscopy (about 400 gauss) for years. Not one spectrogram showing larger splitting in plages or network has been produced. The power-law distribution of weak-field strengths suggests a hierarchy of field strengths, and the simple arithmetic of weak-field elements and tiny pores is on the edge of ruling out strong fields, and further improvement in resolution should do so.

Observations in the 12μ lines have shown plage fields of a few hundred gauss and broadening of the σ components due to field variation within the field of view. These data have been explained away on the basis of height variation in the field, but the requisite transverse field strength or center-limb behavior are not observed.

Type
Session 4. Friendly Debate: The Relation of Quiet Sun to Active Regions
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 1993

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